New Delhi, April 21 (IANS) Thirty-five Delhi government officials were awarded the ‘Chief Minister’s Awards for Excellence and Innovation in Governance and Public Service Delivery 2026’ by Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, an official said on Tuesday.​

The award, instituted this year, was presented on the occasion of Civil Services Day for outstanding and innovative work in the administrative sphere, the official said in a statement.​

The event was organised by the Department of Administrative Reforms under the leadership of the Chief Minister, the statement said.​

Awardees were presented with medals and commendation certificates in recognition of their distinguished service in strengthening governance systems and making public service delivery more efficient and accessible, it said.​

The Delhi government also announced that the awards will now be given every year on Civil Services Day, with the list of awardees announced in April each year, as part of a broader effort to promote administrative efficiency and encourage innovation in governance.​

Speaking at the event, Lieutenant Governor Sandhu said civil service is not just about administrative responsibility, but about upholding the trust of the people.​

He noted that the true test of good governance lies in how transparently, sensitively, and efficiently services reach the last person. “In a changing administrative landscape, civil servants must move beyond traditional roles and become more accountable, result-oriented and citizen-focused,” he said.​

He emphasised that innovation, better coordination, and the effective use of technology are key to addressing complex administrative challenges.​

Sandhu underlined that public trust remains the greatest strength of governance, and maintaining that trust requires transparency, fairness, and accountability.​

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta described civil service as not just a career, but a commitment to nation-building.​

She said the government’s priority is to ensure that services reach the ‘last mile,’ with officials forming the backbone of governance.​

“We are committed to taking Delhi to global standards through innovation and citizen-centric policies,” she said, adding that the city is observing Civil Services Day with a seriousness and scale it truly deserves.​

She said the awards recognise officers and staff who work tirelessly for the people of Delhi. Referring to the Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence launched in 2014, Gupta said the Delhi initiative draws inspiration from the same spirit.​

–IANS

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